The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces have confirmed that they are aware of recent attempts by China to conduct surveillance operations in Canadian airspace and waters. Spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said in a statement that the armed forces have been tracking and deterring these attempts since 2022 as part of Operation LIMPID. However, he stated that in order to maintain the security of military operations, no further information can be provided.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly spoke on CNN Wednesday morning, where she described China as an increasingly disruptive power. She said that Canada will collaborate with Norad to protect North American airspace, and take a firm stance on Canada’s Arctic sovereignty as more reports of foreign interference arise. Her remarks come after the Globe and Mail reported that the Canadian military had discovered Chinese monitoring buoys in the Arctic.